Delta Flight 15

An amazing, true story about a plane that was forced to land in Newfoundland on 9/11.

On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, we were about five hours out of Frankfurt, flying over the North Atlantic. All of a sudden the curtains parted and I was told to go to the cockpit, immediately, to see the captain. As soon as I got there I noticed that the crew had that "All Business" look on their faces. The captain handed me a printed message. It was from Delta's main office in Atlanta and simply read, "All airways over the Continental United States are closed to commercial air traffic. Land ASAP at the nearest airport. Advise your destination.”

We knew it was a serious situation and we needed to find terra firma quickly.

No one said a word about what this could mean. We knew it was a serious situation and we needed to find terra firma quickly. The captain determined that the nearest airport was 400 miles behind us in Gander, Newfoundland. He requested approval for a route change from the Canadian traffic controller and approval was granted immediately – no questions asked. We found out later, of course, why there was no hesitation in approving our request.

While the flight crew prepared the airplane for landing, another message arrived from Atlanta telling us about some terrorist activity in the New York area. A few minutes later word came in about the hijackings.

We decided to lie to the passengers while we were still in the air. We told them the plane had a simple instrument problem and that we needed to land at the nearest airport in Gander, Newfoundland to have it checked out.

We promised to give more information after landing in Gander. There was much grumbling among the passengers, but that's nothing new! Forty minutes later, we landed in Gander. Local time at Gander was 12:30 p.m... that's 11 a.m. EST.

There were already about 20 other airplanes on the ground from all over the world that had taken this detour on their way to the U.S. After we parked on the ramp, the captain made the following announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, you must be wondering if all these airplanes around us have the same instrument problem as we have. The reality is that we are here for another reason." Then he went on to explain the little bit we knew about the situation in the U.S. There were loud gasps and stares of disbelief. The captain informed passengers that Ground Control in Gander told us to stay put.

The Canadian Government was in charge of our situation and no one was allowed to get off the aircraft. No one on the ground was allowed to come near any of the air crafts. Only airport police would come around periodically, look us over and go on to the next airplane. In the next hour or so more planes landed and Gander ended up with 53 airplanes from all over the world, 27 of which were U.S. Commercial jets.

Meanwhile, bits of news started to come in over the aircraft radio and for the first time we learned that airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and into the Pentagon in DC. People were trying to use their cell phones, but were unable to connect due to a different cell system in Canada. Some did get through, but were only able to get to the Canadian operator who would tell them that the lines to the U.S. were either blocked or jammed.

Sometime in the evening the news filtered to us that the World Trade Center buildings had collapsed and that a fourth hijacking had resulted in a crash. By now the passengers were emotionally and physically exhausted, not to mention frightened, but everyone stayed amazingly calm. We had only to look out the window at the 52 other stranded aircraft to realize that we were not the only ones in this predicament.

We had been told earlier that they would be allowing people off the planes one plane at a time. At 6 PM, Gander airport told us that our turn to deplane would be 11 am the next morning. Passengers were not happy, but they simply resigned themselves to this news without much noise and started to prepare themselves to spend the night on the airplane.

Gander had promised us medical attention, if needed, water, and lavatory servicing. And they were true to their word. Fortunately we had no medical situations to worry about. We did have a young lady who was 33 weeks into her pregnancy. We took really good care of her. The night passed without incident despite the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

Gander has a population of 10,400 people and they had about 10,500 passengers to take care of.

About 10:30 on the morning of the 12th a convoy of school buses showed up. We got off the plane and were taken to the terminal where we went through Immigration and Customs and then had to register with the Red Cross.

After that we (the crew) were separated from the passengers and were taken in vans to a small hotel. We had no idea where our passengers were going. We learned from the Red Cross that the town of Gander has a population of 10,400 people and they had about 10,500 passengers to take care of from all the airplanes that were forced to land. We were told to just relax at the hotel and we would be contacted when the U.S. airports opened again, but not to expect that call for a while.

We found out the total scope of the terror back home only after getting to our hotel and turning on the TV, 24 hours after it all started.

Meanwhile, we had lots of time on our hands and found that the people of Gander were extremely friendly. They started calling us the "plane people." We enjoyed their hospitality, explored the town of Gander and ended up having a pretty good time.

Two days later, we got that call and were taken back to the Gander airport. Back on the plane, we were reunited with the passengers and found out what they had been doing for the past two days. What we found out was incredible.

Gander and all the surrounding communities (within about a 75 kilometer radius) had closed all high schools, meeting halls, lodges, and any other large gathering places. They converted all these facilities to mass lodging areas for all the stranded travelers. Some had cots set up, some had mats with sleeping bags and pillows set up.

All the high school students were required to volunteer their time to take care of the "guests."

All the high school students were required to volunteer their time to take care of the "guests." Our 218 passengers ended up in a town called Lewisporte, about 45 kilometers from Gander where they were put up in a high school. If any women wanted to be in a women - only facility, that was arranged. Families were kept together. All the elderly passengers were taken to private homes.

Remember that young pregnant lady? She was put up in a private home right across the street from a 24-hour Urgent Care facility. There was a dentist on call and both male and female nurses remained with the crowd for the duration.

Phone calls and e-mails to the U.S. and around the world were available to everyone once a day. During the day, passengers were offered "Excursion" trips. Some people went on boat cruises of the lakes and harbors. Some went for hikes in the local forests. Local bakeries stayed open to make fresh bread for the guests. Food was prepared by all the residents and brought to the schools. People were driven to restaurants of their choice and offered wonderful meals. Everyone was given tokens for local laundry mats to wash their clothes, since luggage was still on the aircraft. In other words, every single need was met for those stranded travelers. Passengers were crying while telling us these stories. Finally, when they were told that U.S. airports had reopened, they were delivered to the airport right on time and without a single passenger missing or late. The local Red Cross had all the information about the whereabouts of each and every passenger and knew which plane they needed to be on and when all the planes were leaving. They coordinated everything beautifully. It was absolutely incredible.

When passengers came on board, it was like they had been on a cruise. Everyone knew each other by name. They were swapping stories of their stay, impressing each other with who had the better time. Our flight back to Atlanta looked like a chartered party flight. The crew just stayed out of their way. It was mind-boggling. Passengers had totally bonded and were calling each other by their first names, exchanging phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses.

And then a very unusual thing happened. One of our passengers approached me and asked if he could make an announcement over the PA system. We never, ever allow that. But this time was different. I said "of course" and handed him the mike. He picked up the PA and reminded everyone about what they had just gone through in the last few days. He reminded them of the hospitality they had received at the hands of total strangers. He continued by saying that he would like to do something in return for the good folks of Lewisporte.

He said he was going to set up a Trust Fund under the name of DELTA 15. The purpose of the trust fund is to provide college scholarships for the high school students of Lewisporte. He asked for donations of any amount from his fellow travelers. When the paper with donations got back to us with the amounts, names, phone numbers and addresses, the total was for more than $14,000.

The trust fund is at more than $1.5 million and has assisted 134 students in college education.

The gentleman, a doctor from Virginia, promised to match the donations and to start the administrative work on the scholarship. He also said that he would forward this proposal to Delta Corporate and ask them to donate as well. As I write this account, the trust fund is at more than $1.5 million and has assisted 134 students in college education.

It gives me a little bit of hope to know that some people in a faraway place were kind to some strangers who literally dropped in on them. It reminds me how much good there is in the world.

I am so touched of this Article through "aish.com" So proud Canadian to hear about this story after so many years.G-d Bless You "Lewisporte" Gander and all sorrunding communities.Thank You! "God reads the soul, and not the face;He hears the thoughts,and not the tongue, In Heaven the features wear no grace Save that which round the spirit hung; And only they are lovely seen Whose lives on earth have nobel been" /Ernest Shurtleff/

(22)
Michael,
November 18, 2012 8:42 AM

Thank you AISH HATorah

The people at AYSH once again give all news tht is real people news. G-d formed AISH for a reason. This amazing story is brought to us from the dedicated people at AISH.. Thank you Almighty for AISH and it's loving service to mankind. These people on the plane met those good people bt the grace of our heacenly Father. We are all blessed !

(21)
Larry,
November 17, 2012 8:22 PM

Thank you for this great story

Amazing

(20)
Jeff L,
November 16, 2012 3:19 PM

the essential goodness of mankind

This story is such a refreshing reminder of the innate goodness in people, no t just those in Gander but also of those on the plane who reacted with sustained appreciation as well. What a wonderful article.

(19)
Esther,
November 15, 2012 7:42 PM

human spirit at its best, we need it now!

human spirit at its best, we need it now!

(18)
Hershel,
November 14, 2012 10:19 AM

weather station at Gander

During World War Two the Gander weather station provided essential information to the airplanes flying the Atlantic. I knew a Jewish meteorologist who was stationed there.

(17)
Dikeledi,
November 13, 2012 2:18 PM

I dont care what you think about me...i sobbed

We can say alot of things about this world...humanity is humanity and when we act out the nature of God in us...it melts even the coldest most frozen heart. I sobbed myself silly reading this. Thank you Aish for sharing.

(16)
Sarah,
November 13, 2012 1:41 PM

Wow!

Why aren't stories like this splashed all over the news?!?!

Michael,
November 18, 2012 8:52 AM

Because of AISH

Dear Sarah, Because the media would never show anything that outstanding people do for their fellow man.G-d has truly blessed us with Aish HaTorah. What they provide us is short G-d appearing to us and advising us ! Be well Sarah, and have a woderful holiday season.

(15)
Donna Perel,
November 12, 2012 10:44 PM

Why Wait

I was moved to tears by this article and by the last two weeks with SuperStorm Sandy. Why must we wait until Hashem sends us events to test our achdus and our kindness? Let us be "proactive" in our oneness and chessed.

(14)
Anonymous,
November 12, 2012 10:41 PM

I cried as I read this. Harrah for the people of Gander. They are truly wonderful.

(13)
ellie,
November 12, 2012 9:51 PM

THIS IS MESNCHKEIT

the Day The World Came to Town is the story about this absolutely wonderful and giving community. There was a reunion as well and such generosity.

(12)
Miri Knight,
November 12, 2012 3:06 PM

The Generosity of Strangers...

This story is only further evince of the beneficence and kindness of humans. For all the evil which surfaces in our world, there is good to the nth degree. Thank you for sharing this piece.

(11)
JCS,
November 12, 2012 9:23 AM

peoples behavuiour....

You can expect quite good behavour and hospitality from people who are civilised, which have a sense of caring and who arent part of the diabolic muslim community.....

Matthew,
November 12, 2012 11:15 PM

Not about Islam

There is nothing diabolical about the Muslim community that cannot be found in every other religion race or creed in some amount. With all the stereotypes we have to deal with, let's not add another one. As comedian Jimmy Walker said about Northern Ireland, "In a country without Blacks, Jews or Mexicans, people can improvise."
Thank G-d for the people of Gander and their loving example. We need more people like this in the world. May we be such people.

(10)
sue freedman,
November 12, 2012 6:43 AM

wow.. this is so amazing..

I am so moved by this absolutely wonderful story of the city of Gander.. we can all take an example of their hospitality.. "hachanasat orchim".. Thank you

(9)
Anonymous,
November 12, 2012 6:07 AM

kindness....

I look at kindness as a pearl necklace. if I do a kindness, I do not wait for it to be reciprocated by the receiver. It comes back from someone else when I am in need. I've seen it happen over and over (on a personal level not necessarily on a national level). I can vouch for it. Try it.

(8)
ruth housman,
November 12, 2012 2:12 AM

landing in Newfoundland

This is a remarkable story... certainly one that deserves to be told. I take a 'gander' to those people in Gander and elsewhere who were so generous, welcoming and thoughtful. So wonderful about the scholarship!

(7)
Ari,
November 12, 2012 2:06 AM

Doing Good needs no reward... It is its own .

The humble people gave their best. Period. That was the excellent part of this story . The second part that one of the persons receiving their kindness started this scholarship is also wonderful and each recipient must be overwhelmed with gratitude.
But the point I am making is this. Their very act of hospitality had its own reward. It had to come back to them.... NOT Necessarily from the people they gave it too.
Bottom line.... Something wonderful was already on its way... They planted the seed you see.

(6)
Valerie Holland,
November 12, 2012 1:58 AM

Moving Story

This wonderful story brought tears of JOY. So good to know the ALL were involved, esp School Kids! Marvellous that DELTA 15 was formed.

(5)
klaske,
November 12, 2012 1:43 AM

Yes such beautiful people of Canada and USA Delta #15

Thank you for the awesome scholarship fund given by USA Delta #15 to our Canadian students, God bless you real good!

(4)
Anonymous,
November 12, 2012 12:19 AM

Inspiring

What a fantastic story, gives hope for the world. Thank you to the flight attendant who wrote it so that we could hear about it! I'm sure we will continue to see such great chesed in the aftermath of Sandy, and may it only make all of us kinder and more appreciative human beings.

(3)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 4:35 PM

It goes both ways

It says much about the group of people from the plane who didn't take without giving in return. So often people take what is done for them for granted without showing appreciation. We don't help others to get something in return, but when it happens, WOW!!

(2)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 4:01 PM

A Prayer

We should pray that we should be like this every day regardless of the need!!

(1)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 12:18 PM

Wow!

It is amazing what ppl do 4 each other in times of need and use the inspiration right away 2 do good!

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...